Nominated by former President Barack Obama and appointed in 2016, Hayden became the 14th Librarian of Congress and the first professional librarian to hold the post since 1974. She served for nearly 10 years, advocating for greater access to public libraries and defending the right to privacy for library patrons. In 2025, President Donald Trump terminated her — a controversial decision among librarians nationwide. Hayden was quickly hired by Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the largest private funder of arts and humanities in the United States, where she now works with libraries and archives.
“Being the first can be daunting because you are not only carrying yourself but also, you feel as if you are carrying others who may follow you. You feel pressure not to let people down, especially those who may come after you,” Hayden shared with MLIS students.
Hayden told the students whether they choose to serve at a school library, public library or the country’s largest library, they can make a powerful impact.
“I did not have librarians in school who looked like me,” said Hayden. “But you can be that someone for another person – someone who is a sounding board, a non-judgemental, supportive leader who looks like them and makes the library a safe place for all.”
Hayden also urged the future and current librarians who participated in the online seminar to step out from behind the desk and take an active role in the communities they serve.
“Libraries should be a place where people get information to help their lives. That means librarians must keep up with what’s going on in the community. They should know what the people are facing from housing to health care issues. Librarians must anticipate what the people need and bring in the resources to help. It’s not just about books, and it never really was.”
Hayden called librarians “the original search engines” and said even with the advancement of artificial intelligence, librarians must remain at the center of educating people.
“We must keep humans in the loop,” said Hayden. “For example, librarians could sponsor classes on AI safety and teach the young and old alike to use AI effectively and with integrity.”
Also speaking on the future of the profession, Hayden stressed that one of the biggest issues facing libraries is access to resources, especially public funding.
“As federal funding is compromised, we must work to secure more private funding. We are in a fight for resources with other public and private service providers and entities. It is more critical than ever that we prove libraries are relevant and vital to the success of communities,” said Hayden.
Hayden is one of several nationally renowned guest speakers addressing students in the “History of Black Librarianship” course this summer. The course, which the USC School of Information Science first offered in the summer of 2025, delves into the significant history of black librarians who impacted the profession over the past 150 years in America.
“Dr. Hayden is not simply someone students should read about,” said Nicole Cooke, associate professor. “Her presence in our class allowed students to learn from a living architect of Black librarianship history. She turned the course from remembrance into direct engagement, giving students access to the values, choices and leadership that made her career historic.”
Associate professor and Augusta Baker Endowed Chair Nicole Cooke teaches the online class which includes MLIS students and current librarians and practitioners looking to enhance their knowledge while earning continuing education credits. Students learn about impactful leaders in the profession — past and present — and hear from guest speakers from various specialties in the field including archives and special collections, children services, library science education and research.
“Though most of our course reading focuses on historical information, our guest speakers discuss current topics they are facing,” said Cooke. “This course aims to give students a fuller and more accurate history of their profession because knowing this history helps future librarians better understand themselves, their colleagues and the patrons they serve. Dr. Hayden embodies that purpose.”